Medical/Surgical Asepsis and Infection Control Chapter 12

Medical/SurgicalMedical/Surgical Asepsis and Asepsis and Infection ControlInfection Control

Chapter 12Chapter 12

AsepsisAsepsis MicroorganismsMicroorganisms

-tiny, microscopic entities-tiny, microscopic entities -capable of carrying on living processes.-capable of carrying on living processes. -present on /in the human body and-present on /in the human body and environmentenvironment -harmless (nonpathogenic) -harmless (nonpathogenic) -do not produce disease in most-do not produce disease in most individuals.individuals. -individual is highly susceptible to-individual is highly susceptible to infection, the nonpathogenic infection, the nonpathogenic microorganisms could be dangerous.microorganisms could be dangerous. -microorganisms can cause specific-microorganisms can cause specific diseases or infectiondiseases or infections. (pathogens) s. (pathogens)

AsepsisAsepsis

Infection ControlInfection Control-policies and procedures of a health care facility -policies and procedures of a health care facility -minimize the risk of the spread of nosocomial -minimize the risk of the spread of nosocomial

(community-acquired infections) to patients and(community-acquired infections) to patients and

other staff members.other staff members.

-an important part of every action the nurse-an important part of every action the nurse

performs.performs.

AsepsisAsepsis AsepsisAsepsis

Free of Pathogenic MicroorganismsFree of Pathogenic Microorganisms Medical AsepsisMedical Asepsis

• -Inhibits growth/spread of pathogenic-Inhibits growth/spread of pathogenic• microorganismsmicroorganisms• -Clean technique-Clean technique

Surgical AsepsisSurgical Asepsis• -Destroys all microorganisms/spores-Destroys all microorganisms/spores• -Sterile technique-Sterile technique

Infection ProcessInfection Process Microorganisms must follow a Microorganisms must follow a

definite cycle/chain to be definite cycle/chain to be transported and be effective in transported and be effective in contamination and must have the contamination and must have the following elements:following elements:

-cycle must be interrupted to-cycle must be interrupted to prevent the spread of a microorganismprevent the spread of a microorganism..

Infectious CycleInfectious Cycle

Infection ProcessInfection Process

Infectious AgentsInfectious Agents BacteriaBacteria

• Aerobic:Aerobic:• -grows only in the presence of -grows only in the presence of • oxygenoxygen• Anaerobic: Anaerobic: • -grows only in the absence of-grows only in the absence of• oxygenoxygen

Ebola Virus

Culture Medium

Infection ProcessInfection Process

• VirusesViruses• -Smallest known agents that cause disease.-Smallest known agents that cause disease.• -Infections usually self-limiting-Infections usually self-limiting

Exceptions include rabies and HIVExceptions include rabies and HIV

FungiFungi• -Most common diseases found in humans.-Most common diseases found in humans.• -Many are harmless -Many are harmless • -Some are responsible for infections.-Some are responsible for infections.

Infection ProcessInfection Process Infectious Agents Infectious Agents

(continued)(continued) ProtozoaProtozoa

• These single-celled These single-celled animals exist everywhere in animals exist everywhere in nature in some form.nature in some form.

• Disease-producing Disease-producing protozoa are responsible protozoa are responsible for malaria, amebic for malaria, amebic dysentery, and African dysentery, and African sleeping sickness.sleeping sickness.

Infectious ProcessInfectious Process

ReservoirReservoir A reservoir is any natural habitat of a A reservoir is any natural habitat of a

microorganism that promotes growth and microorganism that promotes growth and reproduction.reproduction.

Examples of reservoirs are soiled or wet Examples of reservoirs are soiled or wet dressings, hospital equipment, and dressings, hospital equipment, and carriers (person or animal who harbors carriers (person or animal who harbors and spreads an organism).and spreads an organism).

Food and proper atmosphere are required Food and proper atmosphere are required to thrive.to thrive.

Infectious ProcessInfectious Process Exit RouteExit Route

A microorganism cannot cause A microorganism cannot cause disease in another host unless it disease in another host unless it finds a point of escape from the finds a point of escape from the reservoir.reservoir.

Human exit routes are Human exit routes are gastrointestinal, respiratory, and gastrointestinal, respiratory, and genitourinary systems; tissue; genitourinary systems; tissue; and blood.and blood.

Handwashing can prevent the Handwashing can prevent the spread of microorganisms or spread of microorganisms or cross-contamination.cross-contamination.

Infectious ProcessInfectious Process Method of TransmissionMethod of Transmission

Once the microorganism has Once the microorganism has exited a reservoir, there are many exited a reservoir, there are many vehicles on or by which it can vehicles on or by which it can travel to the next host.travel to the next host.

FomiteFomite• Vehicle is inanimate (nonliving) objectVehicle is inanimate (nonliving) object• Stethoscope, thermometer, bandage Stethoscope, thermometer, bandage

scissors, etc.scissors, etc. VectorVector

• Living carrierLiving carrier

Fomite

Vector

Infectious ProcessInfectious Process Entrance of MicroorganismsEntrance of Microorganisms

The microorganism must find a way The microorganism must find a way to enter the susceptible host.to enter the susceptible host.

When the host’s defense When the host’s defense mechanisms are reduced, the mechanisms are reduced, the microorganism has a greater microorganism has a greater chance to enter.chance to enter.• Punctured skin, open wounds, Punctured skin, open wounds,

accidental needle sticksaccidental needle sticks The skin is the first line of defense The skin is the first line of defense

and should be kept intact, and should be kept intact, lubricated, and clean.lubricated, and clean.

Infectious ProcessInfectious Process HostHost

An organism in which another, An organism in which another, usually parasitic, organism is usually parasitic, organism is nourished and harbored.nourished and harbored.

An infection will not develop An infection will not develop unless a person is susceptible unless a person is susceptible to the strength and numbers of to the strength and numbers of the microorganism.the microorganism.

Immunizations have proved Immunizations have proved effective in providing additional effective in providing additional protection against infectious protection against infectious disease.disease.

Infectious ProcessInfectious Process Infectious ProcessInfectious Process

Infections follow a progressive Infections follow a progressive course.course.

1.1. Incubation Period:Incubation Period: Period of time from when the Period of time from when the pathogen enters the body to when symptoms first pathogen enters the body to when symptoms first appearappear

2.2. Prodromal Stage: Prodromal Stage: Interval from onset of non-specific Interval from onset of non-specific signs and symptoms (low-grade fever, fatigue) to signs and symptoms (low-grade fever, fatigue) to more specific symptoms. Usually very contagious at more specific symptoms. Usually very contagious at this stage.this stage.

3.3. Illness Stage:Illness Stage: Patient develops signs and symptoms Patient develops signs and symptoms specific to a certain type of infection.specific to a certain type of infection.

4.4. Convalescence:Convalescence: Resolution of symptoms; may or may Resolution of symptoms; may or may not be contagious as infection resolves.not be contagious as infection resolves.


LocalizedLocalized

• Proper care controls the spread and Proper care controls the spread and minimizes the illness; wound minimizes the illness; wound infectioninfection

SystemicSystemic• Infection that affects the entire body; Infection that affects the entire body;

can be fatalcan be fatal


Inflammatory ResponseInflammatory Response The body’s cellular response The body’s cellular response

to injury or infectionto injury or infection Protective vascular reaction Protective vascular reaction

that delivers fluid, blood that delivers fluid, blood products, and nutrients to products, and nutrients to interstitial tissues in the area interstitial tissues in the area of injuryof injury

Neutralizes and eliminates Neutralizes and eliminates pathogens or necrotic tissues pathogens or necrotic tissues and establishes a means of and establishes a means of repairing body cells and repairing body cells and tissuestissues

Inflammatory Response, continuedInflammatory Response, continued

Signs of InfectionSigns of Infection• Edema, redness, heat, pain or Edema, redness, heat, pain or

tenderness, and loss of functiontenderness, and loss of function• Systemic signs: fever, leukocytosis, Systemic signs: fever, leukocytosis,

malaise, anorexia, nausea, malaise, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, and lymph node vomiting, and lymph node enlargementenlargement

May be triggered by physical May be triggered by physical agents, chemical agents, or agents, chemical agents, or microorganismsmicroorganisms

Nosocomial InfectionsNosocomial Infections Nosocomial Infection a.k.a. Nosocomial Infection a.k.a.

Hospital Acquired Infections Hospital Acquired Infections (HAI)(HAI) One that is acquired while in a One that is acquired while in a

hospital or other health agencyhospital or other health agency Acquired at least 12 hours after Acquired at least 12 hours after

admissionadmission Hospitals harbor microorganisms Hospitals harbor microorganisms

that may be highly virulent, that may be highly virulent, making it a more likely place to making it a more likely place to acquire an infectionacquire an infection

HAIHAI Exogenous InfectionExogenous Infection

Infection caused by microorganisms Infection caused by microorganisms from another personfrom another person

Endogenous InfectionEndogenous Infection Infection caused by the patient’s own Infection caused by the patient’s own

normal microorganisms becoming normal microorganisms becoming altered and overgrowing or being altered and overgrowing or being transferred from one body site to transferred from one body site to anotheranother

Nosocomial infections are most Nosocomial infections are most commonly transmitted by direct commonly transmitted by direct contact between health personnel contact between health personnel and patients or from patient to and patients or from patient to patientpatient..

Infection Control TeamInfection Control Team Infection Control Infection Control

Practitioner/ProfessionalPractitioner/Professional Nurses who are specially trained in Nurses who are specially trained in

infection controlinfection control Responsible for advising hospital Responsible for advising hospital

personnel on safe aseptic practices personnel on safe aseptic practices and for monitoring infection outbreaks and for monitoring infection outbreaks within the agencywithin the agency

Employee Health ServiceEmployee Health Service Plays a role in infection control by Plays a role in infection control by

taking measures to protect the health taking measures to protect the health care worker from disease carried by care worker from disease carried by patients and to protect patients from patients and to protect patients from disease carried by staffdisease carried by staff

Standard PrecautionsStandard Precautions

Standard Precautions are designed to reduce the Standard Precautions are designed to reduce the risk of transmission of microorganisms from both risk of transmission of microorganisms from both recognized and unrecognized sources of infection in recognized and unrecognized sources of infection in health care settingshealth care settings

Developed by the CDC, Standard Precautions apply Developed by the CDC, Standard Precautions apply to:to:

1)1) BloodBlood2)2) All body fluids, secretions, and excretions except All body fluids, secretions, and excretions except

sweat, regardless of whether or not they contain sweat, regardless of whether or not they contain visible bloodvisible blood

3)3) Non-intact skinNon-intact skin4)4) Mucous membranesMucous membranes


HandwashingHandwashing This is the most important and This is the most important and

basic preventive technique for basic preventive technique for interrupting the infectious interrupting the infectious process.process.

Wash hands before patient Wash hands before patient care; after touching blood, body care; after touching blood, body fluids, secretions, excretions, fluids, secretions, excretions, and contaminated items; and contaminated items; immediately after gloves are immediately after gloves are removed; between patient removed; between patient contacts; and when otherwise contacts; and when otherwise indicated.indicated.

Standard PrecautionsStandard Precautions Hand washing is not enough to reduce bacterial Hand washing is not enough to reduce bacterial

colonization on hands with artificial nails or long nails.colonization on hands with artificial nails or long nails. In 1997, 16 newborn babies in a NICU in Oklahoma In 1997, 16 newborn babies in a NICU in Oklahoma

City died from an outbreak of Pseudomonas. Two City died from an outbreak of Pseudomonas. Two nurses working in the unit were found to be carriers; nurses working in the unit were found to be carriers; one had artificial nails and one had long, natural nails.one had artificial nails and one had long, natural nails.

In 2001, researchers linked three patients with post In 2001, researchers linked three patients with post operative Candida infections to an OR tech with operative Candida infections to an OR tech with artificial nails.artificial nails.

Fingernails should be kept short and natural per CDC Fingernails should be kept short and natural per CDC guidelines. Most facilities have a nail policy reflecting guidelines. Most facilities have a nail policy reflecting this.this.

Standard PrecautionsStandard Precautions GlovingGloving

Don gloves if there is any possibility of contact Don gloves if there is any possibility of contact with infectious material.with infectious material.• Gloves are worn only once and then placed into Gloves are worn only once and then placed into

infectious waste containers.infectious waste containers.• If the nurse has not completed care but has come If the nurse has not completed care but has come

into contact with infectious material, the gloves into contact with infectious material, the gloves should be changed before continuing patient care.should be changed before continuing patient care.

• Hands should be washed after gloves are removed.Hands should be washed after gloves are removed.• Latex should be avoided if history of latex allergyLatex should be avoided if history of latex allergy

Standard PrecautionsStandard Precautions GowningGowning

Wear a gown to protect Wear a gown to protect skin and prevent soiling of skin and prevent soiling of clothing during procedures clothing during procedures and patient care activities and patient care activities that are likely to generate that are likely to generate splashes or sprays of splashes or sprays of blood, body fluids, blood, body fluids, secretions, or excretions secretions, or excretions or cause soiling of or cause soiling of clothing.clothing.


Mask/Protective EyewearMask/Protective Eyewear Protects the wearer from Protects the wearer from

inhaling microorganisms that inhaling microorganisms that travel on airborne droplets.travel on airborne droplets.

Prevents inhaling pathogens if Prevents inhaling pathogens if resistance is reduced or during resistance is reduced or during transport to another area.transport to another area.

Discourages the wearer from Discourages the wearer from touching the mouth, nose, and touching the mouth, nose, and eyes and from transmitting eyes and from transmitting infectious material.infectious material.

Standard PrecautionsStandard Precautions Disposal of Contaminated EquipmentDisposal of Contaminated Equipment

Specially labeled bagging and either sanitary Specially labeled bagging and either sanitary burial or incineration are required.burial or incineration are required.

Disposal of sharps (needles, blades) Disposal of sharps (needles, blades) • Must be put in a puncture-proof containerMust be put in a puncture-proof container

Double BaggingDouble Bagging This infection control practice involves placing This infection control practice involves placing

a bag of contaminated items into another a bag of contaminated items into another clean bag that is held outside an isolation clean bag that is held outside an isolation room by other personnel.room by other personnel.

This is recommended when it is impossible to This is recommended when it is impossible to keep the outer surface of a single bag free keep the outer surface of a single bag free from contamination.from contamination.

Isolation TechniqueIsolation Technique

The CDC issued isolation guidelines that The CDC issued isolation guidelines that contain two tiers of approach.contain two tiers of approach. First TierFirst Tier

• Precautions designed to care for all patients in Precautions designed to care for all patients in health care facilities regardless of their diagnosis or health care facilities regardless of their diagnosis or presumed infectiousnesspresumed infectiousness

• STANDARD PRECAUTIONSSTANDARD PRECAUTIONS Second TierSecond Tier

• Condenses the disease-specific and categories Condenses the disease-specific and categories approach to isolation into new transmission approach to isolation into new transmission categories:categories:

Airborne, droplet, and contact precautionsAirborne, droplet, and contact precautions

Isolation TechniquesIsolation Techniques Basic PrinciplesBasic Principles

Thorough handwashing should be performed before Thorough handwashing should be performed before entering and after leaving a patient’s room.entering and after leaving a patient’s room.

An understanding of the patient’s specific disease process An understanding of the patient’s specific disease process and method of transmission of the infectious and method of transmission of the infectious microorganism helps determine the use of protective microorganism helps determine the use of protective barriers.barriers.

Contaminated equipment and articles are to be disposed Contaminated equipment and articles are to be disposed of in a safe and effective manner to prevent transmission of in a safe and effective manner to prevent transmission of pathogens to other individuals.of pathogens to other individuals.

If the patient is transported to other areas in the facility, If the patient is transported to other areas in the facility, necessary measures should be taken to protect those who necessary measures should be taken to protect those who may be exposed. Have the patient wear a gown and mask.may be exposed. Have the patient wear a gown and mask.

Airborne PrecautionsAirborne Precautions Airborne precautions are used for patients known or Airborne precautions are used for patients known or

suspected to have an infectious illness transmitted by suspected to have an infectious illness transmitted by airborne droplets.airborne droplets.

These diseases include measles, varicella (chicken pox), These diseases include measles, varicella (chicken pox), and TB (tuberculosis).and TB (tuberculosis).

Usually require a private room with monitored negative Usually require a private room with monitored negative air pressure (unfiltered air is not recirculated throughout air pressure (unfiltered air is not recirculated throughout facility).facility).

Door should be kept closed and pt in room. Pt to wear Door should be kept closed and pt in room. Pt to wear surgical mask if leaves the room. Limit time spent out of surgical mask if leaves the room. Limit time spent out of room to essential purposes only.room to essential purposes only.

N-95 respirator mask to be worn by all who enter room N-95 respirator mask to be worn by all who enter room with TB pt; N-95 mask needed for non-immune with TB pt; N-95 mask needed for non-immune caregivers for varicella and measles pts.caregivers for varicella and measles pts.

Airborne Precautions – Sample Door SignAirborne Precautions – Sample Door Sign

Contact PrecautionsContact Precautions Instituted for pts known or suspected to have serious Instituted for pts known or suspected to have serious

illness easily transmitted by direct pt contact or by illness easily transmitted by direct pt contact or by contact with items in the pt roomcontact with items in the pt room

Examples include RSV, impetigoExamples include RSV, impetigo Pt should have private room or share room with person Pt should have private room or share room with person

who has same infectionwho has same infection Gloves and gown should be worn when entering room Gloves and gown should be worn when entering room

and removed prior to leaving room. and removed prior to leaving room. Limit transport of patient to essential purposes only.Limit transport of patient to essential purposes only. Equipment such as stethoscopes and blood pressure Equipment such as stethoscopes and blood pressure

cuffs should stay in room and not be shared with other cuffs should stay in room and not be shared with other patients. If common equipment is used, it must be patients. If common equipment is used, it must be cleaned and disinfected between patients. cleaned and disinfected between patients.

Contact Precautions – Sample Door SignContact Precautions – Sample Door Sign

Droplet PrecautionsDroplet Precautions Used for pts known or suspected to have Used for pts known or suspected to have

infectious illness transmitted by large particle infectious illness transmitted by large particle dropletsdroplets

Examples include pertussis (whooping cough), Examples include pertussis (whooping cough), mumps, TB (Mycobacterium tuberculosis).mumps, TB (Mycobacterium tuberculosis).

Pt should have private room or spatial Pt should have private room or spatial separation of at least 3 feet.separation of at least 3 feet.

Wear mask when working within 3 feet of pt (or Wear mask when working within 3 feet of pt (or upon entering room).upon entering room).

Limit transport out of room. Use surgical mask Limit transport out of room. Use surgical mask on pt when outside of room. on pt when outside of room.

Droplet Precautions – Sample Door SignDroplet Precautions – Sample Door Sign

Surgical AsepsisSurgical Asepsis This requires the absence of all This requires the absence of all

microorganisms, pathogens, and spores microorganisms, pathogens, and spores from an object.from an object.

The nurse working with a sterile field or with The nurse working with a sterile field or with sterile equipment must understand that the sterile equipment must understand that the slightest break in technique results in slightest break in technique results in contamination.contamination.

This is practiced in the operating room, labor This is practiced in the operating room, labor and delivery area, and major diagnostic and delivery area, and major diagnostic areas, as well as at the patient’s bedside, areas, as well as at the patient’s bedside, when inserting IV lines or urinary catheters, when inserting IV lines or urinary catheters, or when reapplying sterile dressings.or when reapplying sterile dressings.

Surgical AsepsisSurgical Asepsis

Explain what the patient can do to avoid Explain what the patient can do to avoid contaminating sterile items.contaminating sterile items. Avoid sudden movements of body parts Avoid sudden movements of body parts

covered by sterile drapes.covered by sterile drapes. Refrain from touching sterile supplies, drapes, Refrain from touching sterile supplies, drapes,

or the nurse’s gloves and gown.or the nurse’s gloves and gown. Avoid coughing, sneezing, or talking over a Avoid coughing, sneezing, or talking over a

sterile area.sterile area.


Principles of Sterile TechniquePrinciples of Sterile Technique A sterile object remains sterile only when A sterile object remains sterile only when

touched by another sterile object.touched by another sterile object. Only sterile objects may be placed on a sterile Only sterile objects may be placed on a sterile

field.field. A sterile object or field out of vision or an A sterile object or field out of vision or an

object held below the waist is contaminated.object held below the waist is contaminated. A sterile object or field becomes contaminated A sterile object or field becomes contaminated

by prolonged exposure to air.by prolonged exposure to air.


Principles of Sterile Technique (continued)Principles of Sterile Technique (continued) When a sterile surface comes in contact with When a sterile surface comes in contact with

a wet, contaminated surface, the sterile object a wet, contaminated surface, the sterile object or field becomes contaminated.or field becomes contaminated.

The edge of the sterile field or container is The edge of the sterile field or container is considered contaminated. considered contaminated.


Opening Sterile PackagesOpening Sterile Packages Sterile items are placed in plastic or paper containers Sterile items are placed in plastic or paper containers

that are impervious to microorganisms as long as they that are impervious to microorganisms as long as they are dry and intact.are dry and intact.

Sterile supplies have dated labels or chemical tapes Sterile supplies have dated labels or chemical tapes that indicate the date when the sterilization expires.that indicate the date when the sterilization expires.

If the integrity of the sterile package is questionable, If the integrity of the sterile package is questionable, the item should not be used.the item should not be used.


Opening Sterile Packages Opening Sterile Packages Nurse performs a thorough Nurse performs a thorough

handwashing.handwashing. The supplies are assembled at the work The supplies are assembled at the work

area.area. Commercially packaged items are Commercially packaged items are

usually designed so that the nurse only usually designed so that the nurse only has to tear away or separate the paper has to tear away or separate the paper or plastic cover.or plastic cover.

The item is held in one hand while the The item is held in one hand while the wrapper is pulled away with the other.wrapper is pulled away with the other.

Care is taken to keep the inner contents Care is taken to keep the inner contents sterile before use.sterile before use.


Preparing a Sterile FieldPreparing a Sterile Field When performing sterile procedures, When performing sterile procedures,

the nurse needs a sterile work area the nurse needs a sterile work area that provides room for handling and that provides room for handling and placing of sterile items.placing of sterile items.

A sterile field is an area that is free of A sterile field is an area that is free of microorganisms and is prepared to microorganisms and is prepared to receive sterile items.receive sterile items.

The field may be prepared by using The field may be prepared by using the inner surface of a sterile wrapper the inner surface of a sterile wrapper or by using a sterile drape.or by using a sterile drape.

Surgical AsepsisSurgical Asepsis Pouring Sterile SolutionsPouring Sterile Solutions

A bottle containing a sterile solution is sterile on the A bottle containing a sterile solution is sterile on the inside and contaminated on the outside; the bottle’s inside and contaminated on the outside; the bottle’s neck is also contaminated, but the inside of the bottle neck is also contaminated, but the inside of the bottle cap is considered sterile.cap is considered sterile.

Before pouring the solution into the container, the Before pouring the solution into the container, the nurse pours a small amount (1 to 2 ml) into a nurse pours a small amount (1 to 2 ml) into a disposable cap or waste receptacle. This cleans the disposable cap or waste receptacle. This cleans the lip of the bottle and is referred to as “lipping.”lip of the bottle and is referred to as “lipping.”

Pour the solution slowly to avoid splashing.Pour the solution slowly to avoid splashing. The bottle should be held outside the edge of the The bottle should be held outside the edge of the

sterile field.sterile field.

Surgical AsepsisSurgical Asepsis Donning Sterile GlovesDonning Sterile Gloves

Two MethodsTwo Methods• OpenOpen

Used before procedures Used before procedures such as dressing such as dressing changes or urinary changes or urinary catheter insertionscatheter insertions

• ClosedClosed Practiced in operating Practiced in operating

rooms and special rooms and special treatment areas where treatment areas where sterile gowns are wornsterile gowns are worn Closed Sterile Gloving

Cleaning, Disinfection, & Cleaning, Disinfection, & SterilizationSterilization

CleaningCleaning Involves the removal of all foreign materials, Involves the removal of all foreign materials,

such as soil and organic material, from such as soil and organic material, from objects.objects.

Generally uses water and mechanical action, Generally uses water and mechanical action, with or without detergents.with or without detergents.

Contaminated disposable objects are Contaminated disposable objects are discarded in appropriate receptacles; discarded in appropriate receptacles; reusable objects must be cleaned thoroughly reusable objects must be cleaned thoroughly and then either disinfected or sterilized.and then either disinfected or sterilized.

When cleaning equipment that is When cleaning equipment that is contaminated by organic material, the nurse contaminated by organic material, the nurse applies a mask and protective eyewear and applies a mask and protective eyewear and waterproof gloves.waterproof gloves.


DisinfectionDisinfection It is used to destroy microorganisms, but it It is used to destroy microorganisms, but it

does not destroy spores (the dormant form of does not destroy spores (the dormant form of bacteria).bacteria).

Solutions used are called disinfectants or Solutions used are called disinfectants or bactericidal solutions.bactericidal solutions.• They are too strong for human skin and are used They are too strong for human skin and are used

only on inanimate objects.only on inanimate objects.• The nurse should use clean gloves to protect the The nurse should use clean gloves to protect the

skin.skin.


SterilizationSterilization Method used to kill all microorganisms, including Method used to kill all microorganisms, including

sporesspores Two typesTwo types

• Physical (uses heat or radiation)Physical (uses heat or radiation) Steam under pressure, boiling water, radiation, or dry heatSteam under pressure, boiling water, radiation, or dry heat

• ChemicalChemical GasGas Chemical solutionsChemical solutions

• Iodine, alcohol, and chlorine bleachIodine, alcohol, and chlorine bleach

Patient Teaching for Infection Patient Teaching for Infection ControlControl

Patients and families often must learn to use Patients and families often must learn to use infection control practices at home.infection control practices at home.

The patient may not be aware of the factors that The patient may not be aware of the factors that promote the spread of infection or of the ways to promote the spread of infection or of the ways to prevent its transmission.prevent its transmission.

Educate patient about the nature of infection and Educate patient about the nature of infection and the techniques to use in planning or controlling the techniques to use in planning or controlling its spread.its spread.

Documents

Medical/Surgical Asepsis and Infection Control Chapter 12